A year ago today, a barely beta-tested LAist was born. The cast of three who primarily kept it running—two of which are still on staff—had spent a month planning and writing, trying to keep abreast of topics and issues that would interest Angelenos. We wanted to focus on the things that make LA a viable, vibrant place to live; the odds and ends that are often glossed over on the way to covering the bright star of Hollywood. more ›

After a couple months of tackling our conflicted feelings about LA's most beloved new disposable income dump the Grove, we're ready for something a little different. So now, on a rotating basis with our Good Grove/Bad Grove column, we present a look at LA's other new dump, Hollywood & Highland. It's a dump of bad ideas, bad design, bad traffic and just plain bad vibes. When it comes to Hollywood & Highland, there's nothing to be conflicted about. As far as we can see, it's just all bad. more ›

Quick. You're designing a public space. You need a focal point, something fun and attention-getting to slap down in the center to take people's attention away from the fact that the entire purpose of your space is to squeeze money out of them. So what's it gonna be? more ›

Hover discs appear to be some sort of bastard hybrid of a balloon, a Frisbee and Satan himself. When you toss one in the air, it floats there for an irritatingly long period of time, a fact that hover disc vendors use to their advantage to piss off as many people at once as possible in the hopes that one of them will be intrigued (i.e., stupid) enough to buy one. more ›

This week's installment of Good Grove/Bad Grove was going to focus on the impact the Grove shopping complex at Fairfax and Third has had on other local businesses, and as it turns out, our timing couldn't be more apt. As anyone who attempted to see the exclusive L.A. engagement of She Hate Me this week (anyone?) discovered this past Sunday, the struggling AMC Beverly Connection cinemas breathed their last breath and, without any warning, closed their doors. more ›

Today's entry: Pacific's The Grove 14 Theatres. There's no question this is a beautifully designed theater with big, comfortable seats, awesome sound and everything LA's many, many film geeks demand. We love the cavernous lobby and the retro marquee out front. We even like the little bellhop uniforms the employees wear (though we suspect the employees themselves might disagree). more ›